Cost of Living in North Fair Oaks, CA

With a cost of living index of 210, North Fair Oaks, CA is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 110% more expensive than the national average and 66% above the California state average of 144. North Fair Oaks is a smaller community of 13,327 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in North Fair Oaks's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $2,284 (73% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $1,209,600 (297% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 11.3x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in North Fair Oaks is $106,690, which is 42% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 26% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability. While incomes are above average, they do not fully offset the higher cost of living.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to North Fair Oaks. The area sees an average annual temperature of 59.9°F, with summers averaging 67°F and winters around 51°F. Annual rainfall totals 13.5 inches spread over roughly 66 days.

Everyday prices in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.